Everywhere I look today, there is more and more movement towards mainstreaming the philosophy of positive change.
In the article I wrote about yesterday with Richard Branson's thoughts on social entrepreneurship, Branson talked about a group of world leaders called The Elders. It is based on the idea that, as the world increasingly becomes a global village, it is desperately in need of some wise elders. Here's how he described it.
In July of this year, we launched the Elders, a remarkable group of leaders to tackle the world's problems, including: Mandela, Graca Machel, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan, former President Jimmy Carter, Yunus, Ela Bhatt, Li Xhaoxing, and Gro Harlem Brundtland.
We hope this group will become the elders of our global village and play a role in alleviating human suffering. As Mandela put it, "This group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to be taken. Together we will work to support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair."
Thinking big and coming up with ideas that might seem ludicrous at the start are all going to be important if we want to radically change the path the world is headed toward to make sure that we build a far healthier, more equitable and peaceful planet for our children.
What an amazing group of people!
Of course, paradigm shift happens when people at all levels start to embrace the ideas. Bringing this down to the world most of us live in (as opposed to the high profile world that The Elders live in), here's a question to ask yourself: "How can I follow their lead? How can I apply some of those ideas in my own life?"
Regardless of your chronological age, there is potential to weave the ideas they talk about into your approach to the world (in fact, I sometimes think the younger generation actually has an advantage when it comes to "thinking big and coming up with ideas that might seem ludicrous at the start").
The Elders are doing their thing at the level they operate in. How can you do your thing in yours?
Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst TM
Comments